On 11 and 12 December 2025, RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation, in cooperation with the Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South-Eastern Europe (DPPI SEE), hosted the regional workshop “Transboundary Use of Incident Command Systems in Complex Disaster Response Scenarios”.
The event gathered 20 experts and representatives of civil protection authorities, emergency management institutions and relevant ministries from South-Eastern Europe to discuss policy, operational and technical aspects of applying the Incident Command System (ICS) in cross-border emergencies.
The workshop addressed the growing complexity of disaster situations with transboundary implications and emphasised the need for harmonised procedures and improved interoperability among emergency services in the region. Building on the outcomes of a previous introductory workshop jointly conducted by RACVIAC and DPPI SEE last November, this follow-up activity focused on policy alignment, operational implementation of ICS procedures, and practical experiences gained by national authorities during cross-border emergency response.
The Workshop was opened by Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, RACVIAC Director.
In his opening remarks Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie welcomed the participants and praised the close cooperation with DPPI SEE, underlining its importance for organising this Workshop and reaffirming the shared commitments outlined in the long-standing Letter of Interest to strengthen regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and response.
He highlighted that the application of the Incident Command System in complex, transboundary emergencies remains a significant challenge due to differing national procedures, legal frameworks, and operational structures across South East Europe. The Director invited participants to speak openly and engage constructively throughout the Workshop, to share real operational experiences during the simulation, and to make use of both formal and informal interactions in order to build trust, enhance cooperation, and foster lasting professional partnerships.
The two-day programme included expert presentations, moderated discussions and an interactive table-top exercise that focused on cross-border use of ICS under complex disaster conditions. Particular attention was devoted to policy harmonisation, legal and organisational challenges, and information-sharing mechanisms. The final session resulted in a joint summary of key observations and proposed regional recommendations aimed at advancing interoperability, promoting common standards and enhancing the overall readiness of emergency response systems in South-Eastern Europe.
The workshop concluded with a Closing ceremony during which certificates were distributed to the participants.
Addressing the participants, Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, RACVIAC Director, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all speakers, moderators, and participants, emphasising that their insights, expertise, and dedication to strengthening national and regional capacities for coordinated disaster response had been truly invaluable.
The Director also stressed the importance of bringing the conclusions of the Workshop back to the respective institutions and countries, so that they may be translated into policies, frameworks, and joint initiatives aimed at strengthening regional preparedness and resilience in transboundary emergencies.
